Understanding the Scottish Terrier Temperament
Scottish Terriers are intelligent, confident, and famously independent dogs. Often described as "big dogs in small bodies," Scotties have strong personalities and a mind of their own. This independence, while part of their charm, can make training a unique challenge. However, with the right approach, patience, and consistency, Scottish Terriers can be well-trained, obedient companions.
As experienced Scottish Terrier breeders in California, we've trained countless Scotties and helped many families successfully train their puppies. The key is understanding and working with your Scottie's natural temperament rather than against it.
Key Characteristics That Affect Training
- Independence: Scotties were bred to hunt independently, making decisions without human direction
- Intelligence: Quick learners who can also be stubborn when they choose
- Confidence: Bold and fearless, sometimes to the point of being headstrong
- Sensitivity: Despite their tough exterior, Scotties are sensitive to harsh corrections
- Loyalty: Form strong bonds with their families and want to please (on their terms)
- Prey Drive: Strong instinct to chase small animals
Positive Reinforcement Training
Scottish Terriers respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. Harsh corrections or punishment can damage your relationship and make your Scottie more stubborn. Instead:
Reward-Based Training
- High-Value Treats: Use small, tasty treats that your Scottie loves
- Praise: Enthusiastic verbal praise and petting
- Play: Use favorite toys as rewards for some dogs
- Timing: Reward immediately when your dog performs the desired behavior
- Consistency: Everyone in the household should use the same commands and rewards
What to Avoid
- Physical punishment or harsh corrections
- Yelling or losing your temper
- Repetitive drilling that bores your Scottie
- Inconsistent rules or commands
- Training when you or your dog are tired or frustrated
Early Socialization
Socialization is crucial for Scottish Terriers and should begin as early as possible:
Puppy Socialization (8-16 weeks)
This is the critical period for socialization. Expose your puppy to:
- People: Different ages, sizes, ethnicities, and wearing various clothing (hats, uniforms, etc.)
- Other Dogs: Well-vaccinated, friendly dogs of various sizes and breeds
- Environments: Different surfaces, sounds, and locations
- Handling: Touching paws, ears, mouth, and body for grooming and vet visits
- Objects: Umbrellas, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, strollers, etc.
Puppy Classes
Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class by 10-12 weeks:
- Provides controlled socialization with other puppies
- Professional guidance on training basics
- Helps prevent fear and aggression issues
- Teaches you how to train your specific dog
Essential Commands
1. Sit
The foundation command for all other training:
- Hold a treat above your puppy's nose
- Move it back over their head
- As their bottom touches the ground, say "Sit" and give the treat
- Practice 5-10 times per session, multiple times daily
2. Stay
Teaches impulse control and patience:
- Start with your dog in a sit position
- Hold your hand up in a "stop" gesture and say "Stay"
- Take one step back, then immediately return and reward
- Gradually increase distance and duration
3. Come (Recall)
Critical for safety, especially given the Scottie's prey drive:
- Start in a confined area with minimal distractions
- Say your dog's name followed by "Come" in an excited voice
- Reward generously when they come to you
- Never call your dog to you for something unpleasant
- Practice regularly with increasing distractions
4. Down
Useful for calm behavior and vet visits:
- Start with your dog in a sit
- Hold a treat in front of their nose and lower it to the ground
- As they follow and lie down, say "Down" and reward
- Be patient - this can be harder for independent Scotties
5. Leave It
Prevents your Scottie from picking up dangerous items:
- Hold a treat in your closed fist
- When your dog stops trying to get it, say "Leave it" and reward with a different treat
- Progress to treats on the floor, then more tempting items
House Training
Scottish Terriers can be challenging to house train, but consistency is key:
Crate Training
- Use an appropriately sized crate (just big enough to stand, turn, and lie down)
- Make the crate comfortable with bedding and toys
- Never use the crate as punishment
- Puppies can hold their bladder for their age in months plus one hour (3-month-old = 4 hours max)
Potty Training Schedule
- Take puppy out first thing in the morning
- After every meal (15-30 minutes)
- After naps and play sessions
- Before bedtime
- Every 2-3 hours for young puppies
Success Tips
- Always take your puppy to the same spot
- Use a command like "Go potty"
- Reward immediately after they finish
- Supervise constantly when not crated
- Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner
- Never punish accidents - just clean up and move on
Leash Training
Scottish Terriers can be strong pullers despite their size. Proper leash training is essential:
Getting Started
- Start indoors with a lightweight leash and collar
- Let your puppy drag the leash around under supervision
- Pick up the leash and follow your puppy, letting them lead
- Gradually encourage them to follow you with treats
Loose Leash Walking
- Stop walking whenever your dog pulls
- Only move forward when the leash is slack
- Reward your dog for walking beside you
- Change direction frequently to keep your dog's attention
- Be patient - this takes time with independent Scotties
Addressing Common Behavioral Issues
Barking
Scottish Terriers were bred to alert, so some barking is natural:
- Teach a "Quiet" command using positive reinforcement
- Don't yell at your dog - they think you're barking too!
- Identify and address triggers (boredom, anxiety, territorial behavior)
- Provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation
- Never use bark collars - they can increase anxiety
Digging
Terriers love to dig - it's in their DNA:
- Provide a designated digging area in your yard
- Bury toys or treats in the approved spot
- Redirect digging behavior to the approved area
- Ensure adequate exercise to reduce boredom
- Supervise outdoor time
Chasing
Strong prey drive means Scotties will chase small animals:
- Always use a leash in unfenced areas
- Practice reliable recall in controlled environments
- Redirect attention with high-value treats
- Provide appropriate outlets like fetch or flirt poles
- Never trust off-leash around small pets
Stubbornness
When your Scottie decides not to cooperate:
- Make training fun and rewarding
- Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes)
- End on a positive note with an easy command
- Vary training locations and activities
- Be patient and consistent - never force compliance
Advanced Training
Once your Scottie masters the basics, consider:
Trick Training
- Shake/paw
- Roll over
- Spin
- Play dead
- Speak on command
Dog Sports
Scottish Terriers can excel in various activities:
- Earthdog Trials: Perfect for their natural instincts
- Agility: Great for athletic Scotties
- Obedience: Challenges their intelligence
- Rally: Combines obedience with fun
- Barn Hunt: Uses their hunting skills
Training Schedule for Puppies
8-12 Weeks
- Focus on socialization and positive experiences
- Begin house training
- Introduce basic commands (sit, come)
- Crate training
- Handling and grooming acceptance
3-6 Months
- Continue socialization
- Enroll in puppy kindergarten
- Master basic commands
- Leash training
- Introduce "stay" and "down"
6-12 Months
- Advanced obedience training
- Proof commands in various environments
- Address any behavioral issues
- Consider intermediate training classes
- Maintain consistency through adolescence
Training Tips from Experienced Breeders
- Start Early: Begin training the day you bring your puppy home
- Be Consistent: Use the same commands and rules every time
- Keep It Positive: Make training fun and rewarding
- Short Sessions: 5-10 minutes multiple times daily is better than one long session
- Patience: Scottish Terriers learn on their own timeline
- Socialization: Never skip this critical step
- Professional Help: Don't hesitate to hire a trainer if needed
- Lifetime Learning: Continue training throughout your dog's life
Common Training Mistakes
- Expecting too much too soon
- Inconsistent rules or commands
- Using punishment-based methods
- Skipping socialization
- Training only in one location
- Giving up when your Scottie is stubborn
- Not making training fun
- Comparing your dog to others
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider hiring a professional trainer if:
- Your dog shows aggression toward people or other dogs
- You're struggling with basic training
- Behavioral issues are getting worse
- You want to compete in dog sports
- You're a first-time dog owner
- Your Scottie has severe anxiety or fear issues
Conclusion
Training a Scottish Terrier requires patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor. While they can be stubborn and independent, Scotties are also intelligent, loyal, and capable of learning anything you're willing to teach them. The key is working with their personality rather than against it.
Remember that every dog is an individual. Some Scotties are eager to please, while others are more independent. Adjust your training approach to fit your dog's personality, and don't compare your progress to others.
As experienced Scottish Terrier breeders in California, we provide lifetime support to all our puppy families. If you have questions about training your Scottie or are interested in our available puppies, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you and your Scottish Terrier succeed!